SCOTTSDALE, Ariz – Don’t expect Todd Helton to play in a Cactus League game until later this week.

As has become his routine in recent years, the 38-year-old first baseman is easing into spring training.

“I’m at a point now where I don’t need perform in spring, I just need to get myself ready for the regular season,” Helton said this morning. “It’s a long grind, so I want to make sure I don’t get worn down.”

Helton will have to deal with lower back issues for the rest of his career, of course, but he’s in a good place right now. He’s swinging a potent bat, at least in batting practice. Though he’s usually an irascible grizzly bear early in the morning, Helton’s spirits have been good. His deadpan sense of humor has been on full display. If you haven’t seen his postgame interview after he and Jason Giambi managed Friday’s intra-squad game, you should check it out.[2]